Skip to Main Content
menu

July 2025 Newsletter

Van Buren Housing Authority Community News July 2025.

Reminders:

  • Office hours are Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
  • For AFTER-HOURS EMERGENCIES call 479.474.6901 (follow the prompts)

Upcoming Events:

  • July 4th - Independence Day
  • July 8th - VBHA Trash pick up (free dump day)

Like us on Facebook and keep updated on current VBHA Events!

Facebook Page QR Code

Letter From the Director

Dear Residents,

Whew - what a month it has been. We've all been through so much together, and I wanted to take a moment to update you on the tornado disaster and our recovery efforts.

As of today, 25 families were displaced by the storm, and I'm happy to share that all but one have now been relocated. Cleanup has moved quickly, but as you have probably seen, we still have a long road ahead. At least four units will need to be completely demolished and rebuilt. The rest have suffered significant water damage from compromised roofs, and most have been fully gutted. At this stage, it's a matter of contracts being signed and the actual work getting underway - something that will likely take several more months.

This experience has been incredibly difficult - for residents and for our VBHA staff. But even in disaster, there's been real beauty. I've seen it in the way you cared for one another, in every small act of kindness, and in how neighbors became family. I've never felt more proud - or more honored - to be part of this community. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being who you are.

Looking ahead, I want to be honest: for those living in the impacted areas, the coming months may be hectic. There will be noise, traffic, and construction crews in and out of your neighborhood. That part will be hard - but we're already dreaming of the day our families come home to a fully restored and even more beautiful place to live.

In the meantime, our Community Center is open and thriving! I encourage you to make use of it - to stay connected, to support each other, and to continue growing the incredible network of neighbors we've built together.

Here's to brighter days and good things ahead for all of us.

With love and gratitude,

Dayna Cochran
Executive Director

Party/Meeting Room Space Available!
Need space for a birthday party or group meeting? The VBHA Community Center is available for parties and meetings. Contact Larissa at 479.474.4407 for details. 

Need Community Service Hours?
Come by the Community Center! We offer many opportunities for you to volunteer. We also have resources to connect you with other organizations and programs to help you meet your community service requirements.

Fourth of July.

Celebrating Independence Day Together

Every July 4th, we come together to celebrate the birth of our nation. Independence Day is more than fireworks and barbecues - it's a time to reflect on the values of freedom, unity, and resilience that shape our country.

In our community, this day is also a reminder of the strength we find in each other. Whether you're watching the fireworks with family, joining a neighborhood cookout, or simply taking a moment to relax, we hope this holiday brings joy and connection.

Let's celebrate safely, honor the history, and continue building a future where everyone in our community feels included and proud to call this place home.

Happy Independence Day!

4th of July Fun Facts:

  • Americans eat 150,000 hot dogs each year on the 4th.
  • John Adams is credited with adding fireworks to the 4th of July celebrations.
  • The number of stars represent the 50 states, and the stripes represent the original 13 colonies.
  • Uncle Sam's hat has become a recognizable symbol of American patriotism.
  • Massachusetts was the 1st state to recognize July 4th as an official holiday in 1781.
  • One World Trade stands 1776 feet tall after the year of Independence.
  • Santa Clara, CA hosts the "All-City Picnic and Parade," where participants dress up as fruits and vegetables.
  • Eating Salmon is a traditional 4th of July food in New England.
  • The 1st celebration took place at the White House, was in 1801.
  • The 4th of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island, holds the record for being the oldest.
  • July 4th, 1776, adopted the Declaration of Independence and marks the birth of American Independence.
  • The Liberty Bell was rung to announce important events and to gather people for meetings about freedom.

4th of July Fun Facts Flyer. All information on this flyer is listed above.

July 2025 Calendar

VBHA Community Center
218 South 17th
Van Buren
Phone 479.474.4407
July 2025

July 1

  • Trivia Tuesday
    • 10:00 AM
  • Trivia
    • 2:00 PM
  • Girl Scouts
    • 6:00 PM

July 2

  • Color and Coffee Connection
    • 10:00 AM
  • Color and Create
    • 2:00 PM

July 3

  • Yahtzee!
    • 10:00 AM
  • Movie and Snacks
    • 2:00 PM

July 7

  • Bingo
    • 10:00 AM
    • 2:00 PM

July 8

  • Trivia Tuesday
    • 10:00 AM
  • Trivia
    • 2:00 PM

July 9

  • Color and Coffee Connection
    • 10:00 AM
  • Color and Create
    • 2:00 PM

July 10

  • Yahtzee!
    • 10:00 AM
  • Movie and Snacks
    • 2:00 PM

July 14

  • Bingo
    • 10:00 AM
    • 2:00 PM

July 15

  • Trivia Tuesday
    • 10:00 AM
  • Trivia
    • 2:00 PM
  • Girl Scouts
    • 6:00 PM

July 16

  • Color and Coffee Connection
    • 10:00 AM
  • Color and Create
    • 2:00 PM

July 17

  • Yahtzee!
    • 10:00 AM
  • Movie and Snacks
    • 2:00 PM

July 21

  • Bingo
    • 10:00 AM
    • 2:00 PM

July 22

  • Trivia Tuesday
    • 10:00 AM
  • Trivia
    • 2:00 PM

July 23-24

  • Closed for Training

July 28

  • Bingo
    • 10:00 AM
    • 2:00 PM

July 29

  • Trivia Tuesday
    • 10:00 AM
  • Trivia
    • 2:00 PM

July 30

  • Color and Coffee Connection
    • 10:00 AM
  • Color and Create
    • 2:00 PM

July 31

  • Yahtzee!
    • 10:00 AM
  • Movie and Snacks
    • 2:00 PM

**VBHA Community Center Events are tentative and subject to change. Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates!

VBHA July 2025 Community Center Calendar. All information on this calendar is listed above.

VBHA Community Heroes Step Up After Tornado Strikes

When the recent tornado tore through our neighborhood, it left more than just physical damage in its wake - it tested our resilience, compassion, and sense of community. In the face of this crisis, two residents emerged as everyday heroes, reminding us what it means to look out for one another when it matters most.

Just hours after the storm had passed, Cheyenne was already outside, moving from home to home with gloves on and a trash bag in hand. She helped pick up debris, cleared pathways, and checked in on neighbors to make sure everyone was okay.

For those without hot water or electricity, Cheyenne generously opened up her home. She offered her shower to anyone who needed it, and built a "community shelf" in her yard stocked with food, water, and other essentials for anyone who needed support.

While Cheyenne was supporting recovery efforts, another community member, Josue, acted with life-saving urgency just moments after the tornado hit. Out of concern, Josue rushed over and found two of his neighbors trapped beneath fallen debris. Without hesitation, he ran to get help and worked with others to safely free the couple.

Thanks to his quick thinking and determination, the couple received timely medical care for their injuries. Josue and his family didn't stop there - they also took in the couple's pets, giving them a safe and loving place to stay during the aftermath.

In times of disaster, it's the actions of individuals like Cheyenne and Josue that help hold us together. Their compassion, courage, and commitment to their neighbor's shine as examples of the strength and spirit that make our community so special.

Thank you, Cheyenne and Josue, and to all our friends, family and neighbors, for reminding us that heroes don't wear capes - they live next door.